Colchester Hospital Admits to Hundreds of Serious Incidents

Colchester University Hospitals NHS Trust has taken the unusual step of admitting that there have been 563 serious incidents at Colchester Hospital in the past two years. Specific details of the serious incidents have not been published, but it is likely they will have arisen as a result of errors in treatment.

The beleaguered hospital was placed in special measures by health sector regulator Monitor last November after an investigation by the Quality Care Commission (CQC) revealed that cancer data had been tampered with.

The latest revelations come in the aftermath of a surprise inspection by the CQC which took place last week. The CQC found that the hospital was facing high levels of demand and a “Major Incident” was declared. The hospital closed its Accident and Emergency Department to all but those suffering from life threatening conditions. Twenty nine elective surgeries were also postponed over a period of three days.

In addition, the inspection also flagged up concerns about the treatment of some of the most vulnerable patients at the hospital. Problems highlighted include inappropriate restraint, sedation and resuscitation of elderly patients, some of whom were suffering with dementia.

Solicitors in our specialist clinical negligence team are already advising a number of clients in relation to bringing claims for clinical negligence against the Trust.

If you have been affected by medical treatment provided at Colchester Hospital, please contact us on 0207 874 8524 for confidential, free specialist advice in relation to making a complaint or bringing a claim.

Agata Usewicz is a Partner in our Clinical Negligence team and has a wide range of experience of clinical negligence claims, including claims of maximum severity, cases of surgical error, injuries sustained at birth, ophthalmic injuries and elderly care. She has also represented clients at Inquest.